1st Hole @BrokenhurstGC – Abnormal Course Condition on the line of my putt

A short par 4 with a generous fairway to get us underway. Long hitters may be having a go for the green in pursuit of a birdie to start with. Be wary of the firm green however as you need to strike the ball precisely to get it to stop. Over the back is a … Continue reading 1st Hole @BrokenhurstGC – Abnormal Course Condition on the line of my putt

Bryson’s Out of Bounds Query

Bryson DeChambeau tries to persuade Rules Officials that his ball is in bounds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6XG7WjfcMk Unsurprisingly, the Rules Officials knew the definitions better than him. The Out of Bounds line is the straight line between the course-side points of the fence posts or stakes at ground level. This means that the fence itself (or the stakes) … Continue reading Bryson’s Out of Bounds Query

Before you Start

The first in a series showcasing Brokenhurst Manor Golf Course and with a rules issue at each hole. Here we have a look at what to do, and what can go wrong, even before you've started.

17th Hole @BrokenhurstGC

Stroke Index 4 for men and 7 for ladies this is a challenging Par 4. A ditch to carry from the tee and choosing the right line isn't easy. Skirting the trees on the right makes the hole shorter but increases the carry and the danger of the woods and ditch. https://videopress.com/v/CfPk3HEA?preloadContent=metadata The fairway was … Continue reading 17th Hole @BrokenhurstGC

Charley’s Drop at the 17th

Once more back at the @RoseLadiesGolf event at @BrokenhurstGC and there were more than a few questions from members after the event about how Charley Hull was allowed to drop on the fairway side after finding the ditch from the 17th tee. These knowledgeable and alert members were questioning the decision because when the 2019 … Continue reading Charley’s Drop at the 17th

Immovable Obstructions and Penalty Areas

I had a couple of instances at the Rose Series event with balls lying in a Penalty Area but also close to an Immovable Obstruction. The photo below shows the first one. What do we do here? As you can see, this young lady's ball ended up on the bridge across the ditch just short … Continue reading Immovable Obstructions and Penalty Areas

Playing the Wrong Ball

Back to the Rose Ladies Series (#RoseLadiesGolf) and Meghan MacLaren was the winner at Moor Park yesterday edging out Liz Young (second for the second week running) and the amateur Samantha Fuller. She must have played some really good golf with 4 birdies and an eagle to put her at 6 under par after 10 … Continue reading Playing the Wrong Ball

Getting ready for the Lady Pros at Brokenhurst Manor

Here is just a little taster of the preparation for last week's tournament at Brokenhurst Manor. It will be a similar story for every elite tournament and goes unseen to most golfers. It may start weeks or months (or even years as the R&A might do with Open venues) before the competition with a course … Continue reading Getting ready for the Lady Pros at Brokenhurst Manor

The Rose Ladies Series at Brokenhurst Manor

It has been a privilege to be a referee at the first ladies professional sport event in the UK post lockdown. 47 of the best lady golfers in the country competing at my home course - Brokenhurst Manor. The whole event summed up beautifully by Iona Stephen for Sky Sports here. https://videopress.com/v/JSiGtuj0?preloadContent=metadata I'll be posting … Continue reading The Rose Ladies Series at Brokenhurst Manor

Misunderstood Rules 1: Improving your Lie

This is maybe an inadvertent giving yourself a "chance" of getting the ball out from heavy rough. You are not allowed to improve any of Conditions Affecting the Stroke. But what are they? the lie of the ballthe area of intended stancethe area of intended swingthe line of playthe relief area where the player will … Continue reading Misunderstood Rules 1: Improving your Lie